Transformed NYPL’s collection of charts and atlases into one of the world’s largest and most accessible resources.
Alice Hudson, a renowned map expert who transformed the New York Public Library’s map collection into one of the most extensive in the world, passed away on November 6 at the age of 77 due to complications from kidney disease. She dedicated her career to expanding and curating the library’s Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division from 1981 to 2009, overseeing a collection that grew to over 400,000 maps and 24,000 atlases, rivaling prestigious institutions like the Library of Congress and the British Library.
Alice Hudson’s passion for cartography was sparked during her college years when she took a geography course, diverting her initial career path of becoming a professional translator. She was instrumental in organizing exhibitions that explored the impact of topography on historical events, such as the American frontier and New York City’s development. Additionally, she shed light on the often overlooked contributions of women to the field of cartography, emphasizing the challenges they faced due to societal constraints.
Throughout her tenure, Alice Hudson championed the recognition of women mapmakers whose identities were obscured by societal norms, such as unsigned colorists and widows who worked in the shadows without receiving proper credit. She highlighted the importance of unveiling these hidden figures to showcase their valuable contributions to the field of cartography.
Alice Hudson’s legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of maps and cartography continues to inspire future generations of map enthusiasts and historians. Her dedication to preserving and expanding the New York Public Library’s map collection has solidified its reputation as a leading resource for researchers, scholars, and the general public seeking to explore the world through the lens of cartography.
Source: The NY Times
